It can be hard to picture Hugh Jackman without the adamantium claws from his role as Wolverine in the X-Men film series, and it's also hard to picture Christian Bale not wearing the bat suit from last years, "Batman Begins." Both of these actors have put down their comic icons, however, and have picked up a bit of magic for a film entitled "The Prestige."

The film, released Oct. 20 th , focuses on two young magicians, Robert Angier (Jackman), and Alfred Borden ( Bale), who are just coming up in the world of magic. The two seem to be friends until one magic act changes their relationship forever, turning them into bitter rivals. Through the years they become more famous, and with this they take more and more chances to one-up the other in both life and show, which for both magicians the show and life become the same thing.

The film is directed by Christopher Nolan, who directed last year's "Batman Begins," and although there is a difference in subject, its mood

and imagery can be easily compared. "The Prestige" is dark, and it is reflected in the lighting, and the material used in everything from dialogue to set design. The message also is apparent in the two magicians as well, with the film being a real character study; the audience is left wondering how far are they willing to go?

The audience is treated to a look inside the minds of these obsessed individuals with the help of a voice-over, spoken by the characters as they were the thoughts passing through their minds. Both performances, Bale's and Jackman's, were absolutely fantastic. Although the film could have benefited from a little more one on one, with Jackman and Bale only sharing the screen for a small amount of the picture's run time. As for the supporting cast, the two headliners were in good company, with Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, and even David Bowie.

Along with the cast, "The Prestige" had some other elements that added

to the film. The visuals were great, especially when it came to the lightning and its interaction with the characters and objects it touched. The ability to misdirect is one of the better elements of the film, keeping the audience on its toes, and wondering who the bad guy in this mess really is.

Although I did like the film, it did have its flaws with the chief one being run time. The film runs 128 minutes, which isn't all that bad when compared to films like "Lord of the Rings." Unlike Rings, however, this film has dead spots, or material that slows the pace of the film down. I found this to really kill the experience in some moments, but it did pick up again as quickly as it dropped off.

For me, this film had a lot going for it, and it delivered. I went in knowing it would be a little long, and it was. It felt long, which is really the only major shortcoming of the film, but with superb acting, storytelling, and visuals, a little length isn't all that bad.

I give "The Prestige" three out of four stars.